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The Duke of Edinburgh has missed the annual Maundy Service attended by the Queen because of a problem with his hip, it is understood.

The Duke, who has effectively retired from royal duties, was hoping to join his wife at the centuries-old event being staged this year at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, where Prince Harry will marry Meghan Markle in May.

But it is understood the 96-year-old duke, who has traditionally accompanied the Queen at the ceremony, took the decision not to take part because he has been experiencing some trouble with his hip.

The Queen presents alms to a senior citizenCredit:
AFP

It is not thought to be a serious issue as the Duke, who was named as a guest in the order of service for the Maundy Thursday event, was spotted driving in Windsor Great Park on Wednesday.

Buckingham Palace would not comment on the his health but said: "The order of service was printed some weeks ago when it was hoped the Duke would be able to take part. His Royal Highness has since decided not to attend."

Last week, Prince Philip pulled out of an official engagement with the Queen and Duke of York because he was unwell, according to reports.

He was due to attend an event at Windsor Castle to mark Andrew's new role as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards but was unable to attend because he was feeling "under the weather" the Daily Mail reported.

He stepped down from his public duties last summer but on occasion does attend events with the Queen.

When it was announced last year that he would be retiring from official engagements, Buckingham Palace stressed that the decision was not health-related and he had the full support of the Queen.

The Queen photographed after the Royal Maundy serviceCredit:
Reuters

The Queen appeared in good spirits during the service, which is held on Maundy Thursday every year and is a firm fixture in her calendar.

The monarch marks the occasion by offering alms to senior citizens - retired pensioners recommended by clergy and ministers of all denominations - in recognition of service to the Church and to the local community.

As she distributed the Maundy money to 92 men and 92 women - to mark the fact that she will be 92 this year - the Queen smiled warmly at the recipients who were given two purses - one red and one white.

The Queen with the Yeoman of the Guard at Windsor CastleCredit:
AFP

This year, the red purse contains a £5 coin, commemorating four generations of royalty, and a 50p coin commemorating the Representation of the People Act 1918, which reformed the electoral system in Great Britain and Ireland, giving some women the right to vote for the first time. Both coins have been minted in 2018.

The white purse contains uniquely minted Maundy money - silver one, two, three and four penny pieces - to the value of 92p.